Getting in on the Act

Lights, camera, action!

For 10 young Sheffielders the ‘Getting in on the Act’ summer school provided a perfect opportunity to learn how to operate a camera, record sound, conduct interviews, and produce professional films.

‘Getting in on the Act’, a joint venture between Sheffield Children’s University and SHIFT (Sheffield Independent Film and Television), offered young people the chance to try their hand at making and producing a film, whilst also discovering what it takes to get a start in the cultural industries.

Bridget Kelly, Chief Executive of SHIFT, said, “We’re making a documentary about how young people get into careers in either the media or theatre, and we want to do that because we see young people coming through all the time and finding ways in, and they have really useful information for other young people. We really want the young people’s passion to come through in the film.”


“We’re aiming to give people skills, so they’re learning to use cameras and sound recording equipment, and they’re learning to relate to people. If you’re interviewing the CEO of the showroom, and you might have dyslexia, then that’s a fantastic confidence boost and a fantastic achievement if you can do that. So we’re aiming for young people to get every ounce of creativity and confidence building out of this experience.”


‘Getting in on the Act’ was opened up to young people through various routes. Some of those who attended are still at school, others are members of The Showroom’s membership scheme, Interactive, and others are part of SHIFT’s Foundation Learning Programme, which offers personalised learning for young people with few or no qualifications.

Colin Pons, a vastly experienced freelance film producer (with a formidable back catalogue of films to his name, including indie hit The Acid House), acted as the production mentor for those involved, gently guiding them through the film making process.

“The idea is to give people media skills but also to increase their communication and life skills through the process as well. We’re doing an interview with the CEO of the Showroom Workstation and some of these young people could go the next 5 years without meeting someone like that so it’s really important to put them in these sorts of situations.”

For the young people who attended ‘Getting in on the Act’ provided a unique opportunity and one they clearly enjoyed.

Samantha Ward, 17, said, “I think it’s been really interesting, learning about all the different things involved, and learning all the different parts. I hadn’t really thought about a career in film but what I’ve done for the last 2 days has been really enjoyable and I’ve got a lot more confidence from doing it.”

George Willey, 18, said, “We’ve been learning so much stuff. I didn’t realise how much you can do with a camera, there are almost limitless things you can do and things you can make out of film, especially with all the editing and stuff. It’s really my first time behind the camera but I’d like to take it on more if I can.”

Dane Marsh, 17, said, “I think it’s been really good. I’m the soundman, so I’ve learnt a bit about that, how to listen for sounds that we need or don’t need. It’s interesting and yeah I think I’d like to take it on as a career.”

The two week project ended with a fully produced 13 minute film and a screening at The Showroom cinema.

For more information visit http://www.shiftmedia.co.uk/